july 4th – ECARD

July 4th – more than a holiday

July 4^th means different things to different people.

To some, it’s a celebration of the birth of a great nation. (With the emphasis being perhaps on the celebration, than on the significance of the nation’s birth!)

To others, it’s a reminder of the gifts that our forefathers fought to bring us – independence, freedom, liberty – whatever you call it, it’s something many of us take for granted. It shouldn’t take long to realize how fortunate we are. There are millions of people who don’t enjoy what we now believe is a right. Whether it is freedom of speech or the right to vote and elect our leaders, the citizens of the free world have much to be grateful for, despite all the shortcomings in the ‘flawed system’ we are so quick to point out. So, in a way, July 4th is a solemn reminder of how much further we need to go.

And then there are those of us, for whom, it’s merely a long weekend. “What are your plans for the long weekend in July?” “So, where did you spend the Fourth weekend?” “Where’s your family headed for July 4^th?”

Sure, July 4^th may be almost synonymous with BBQs, fireworks, road trips, parties and parades. And that’s perfectly fine. But, before you head out to party, why not take a moment to reflect on what this Independence Day means to you and your family. Thanksgiving may be months away. But July 4^th is yet another opportunity to appreciate this gift of freedom that we enjoy, and to express our gratitude to the people who make it possible for us to live our lives the way we want. Be it our troops, our political leaders or forefathers, spend a few minutes thinking about them. If you have a long road trip or flight ahead of you, it might be a great time to discuss what this holiday means with your kids. (And don’t be surprised if they seem to know more than you!)

So, if you’ve decided to celebrate a more meaningful Fourth, start with Free Fourth of July Ecards. Send a July 4 th free ecard, printable card or photo cards to your friends and family, reminding them how fortunate we all are to be celebrating a holiday that represents freedom.

So, tell us, what does July 4^th mean to you?

4th of July Ecards

It’s almost here! The holiday that kicks off summer with a bang. (Or, on a budget, for some of us.)
When you think about it, July 4th probably wins hands down when it comes to popular holidays.
BBQs. Fireworks. Parades. Beach parties. River cruises. Not to mention a blazing summer sun that almost refuses to set.

Be it LA, Vegas, Chicago or your backyard – regardless of where you are, you pretty much can’t help partying when the whole country is!

If you’re still short of ideas, check out our blog for some of the best places to be this Independence Day. And if you’ve decided to stay home, you can still celebrate in style, even on a shoestring budget.

Free 4th of July Ecards

Whatever you choose to do, be sure to wish your friends and family a fantastic Fourth with Free 4th of July Ecards. Our animated ecards and printable 4th july cards feature a number of Independence Day themes. (If you have a tough time picking just one, go ahead and send as many as you want. They’re still free!)

Free Photo Ecards

Uncle Robert or Cousin Danny can’t make it to your famous Fourth BBQ this year?

Why not send them July 4th Photo Cards? Just pick a picture of you at the grill or the kids playing in the backyard. Select your favorite July 4th theme, type in your message and send it!

Photo Ecards combine the personal touch of a picture postcard with the simplicity of a free ecard. Check it out, as we put the finishing touches on this new feature.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and fabulous July 4th!

July 4th Trivia

July 4 th is just a couple of days away. Take this fun quiz to see how much you really know about America’s birthday.

1. Betsy Ross sewed the first flag. True or False?

2. How old was George Washington when he held his first public office?

3. Alexander-Gustave Eiffel known for building the Eiffel Tower, also built the iron framework for ————–.

4. The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4^th 1976. But, it was declared a legal holiday only in ——-

5. The United States imports fireworks worth approximately ——- every year.
($5 million/ $ 700,000/ $ 200 million)

Scroll down for anwers

Answers

1. False

2. 17

3. Statue of Liberty

4. 1941

5. 200 million ( $217 million in 2007)

Source : http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/lists/?article=fourthofjuly

July 4th – Where will you be?

Part 2:

From lake cruises to Capitol Hill, our earlier post explored some of the best spots to be in to enjoy the July 4^th events. On the same note, here are some of the celebrations you don’t want to miss if you happen to be in one of these West Coast cities.

San Francisco: This pretty city has a lot to offer all through the year. So, it’s really no surprise that on July 4^th, you’re going to have a tough time choosing any one spot to be in. Fireworks and celebrations take place on Fisherman’s Wharf (Aquatic Park), Pier 39, Berkeley Marina, Shoreline Amphitheater and other places. Many of the venues feature live entertainment and local bands. For kids, Berkeley Marina may be a good choice as activities like sack race and face painting are part of the celebrations. For an extra special July 4^th experience, books yourself a seat on one of the several cruises such as Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise Commodore 4^th of July Dinner Cruise or Blue and Gold Fleet Fireworks Cruise.

Los Angeles:

The glamour and glitz of this start-studded city gets dialed up a few notches, come July 4^th. LA holds some of the grandest Independence Day celebrations in the country. Some of the top venues to check out include the Rose Bowl, which is ideal for families who want to picnic during the day and enjoy the fireworks by night. Long Beach is a popular July 4^th destination for singles and families alike. It offers two spectacular view points namely Shoreline Village and Belmont Shore. Food courts, bars and restaurants abound, so if you’re really in the mood to party, this is the place to be. Of course, when it comes to July 4^th parties, you can’t forget Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Headed to LA? You had better start thinking about the tough venue choice ahead!

Las Vegas:

For a city that glitters every night of the year, you might wonder if July 4^th will be any different. Well, you’re in for a surprise. Because, Independence Day actually makes Sin City even hotter, if you can believe that’s possible. And this year, things are going to be more spectacular than ever. A simultaneous display of fireworks at nine different locations has been planned at Station Casinos. This unprecedented event is sure to draw huge crowds. Of course, this is Vegas – so fireworks are just the beginning. They officially kick-off summer in this casino city, which in Las Vegas stands for Pool Season! So, Las Vegas is the place to be in if poker, pool parties and fireworks sound like your kind of 4^th celebrations.

So, tell us where you’re headed this July 4^th. And don’t forget to send free 4th July ecards!

5 Fun Independence Day Trivia Facts

By Jace Shoemaker-Galloway

Independence Day is right around the corner, which means the lazy days of summer will be in full swing. July 4^th is a special holiday many Americans look forward to – picnics, parades, barbeques, pool parties and of course, fireworks. After all, what could be better than spending a warm summer day relaxing and unwinding with friends and loved ones?

Independence Day is of course American’s birthday, when our country declared independence from Great Britain. Here are some fun trivia facts about July 4^th.

The first newspaper to publish the Declaration of Independence was the Pennsylvania Evening Post, on July 6^th, 1776.
Three United States presidents died on July 4^th. Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on the 50^th anniversary of Independence Day, on the Jubilee of Freedom, in 1826. Both men signed the Declaration of Independence. In 1831, James Monroe died on July 4^th.
July 4^th was declared a paid federal holiday by the United States Congress in 1938. However, it was later determined that governmental employees of the District of Columbia were not included. In 1941, the declaration was amended to include D.C. employees.
The Declaration’s famous signature by John Hancock is almost 5 inches long.
Benjamin Franklin lobbied for the turkey to be our national bird. He wrote, “For a truth, the turkey is in comparison a much more respectable bird, and withal a true original native of America . . . a bird of courage, and would not hesitate to attack a grenadier of the British guards, who should presume to invade his farmyard with a red coat on.” Unfortunately for Franklin and the turkey, the turkey was outvoted and the bald eagle won.

No matter how you celebrate the holiday this year, Independence Day is as American as baseball, mom and apple pie. Have a happy and safe July 4^th! And send free 4th of July Ecards

In time for July 4th a winner

We have a winner for our $100 Giveaway conducted at various blog sites. The winner is Kristy from Toranto she won at the blog http://icefairystreasurechest.blogspot.com/ . The final draw was done at Momfuse.com.

Congrats! Kristy. Hope you have fun. And you can send your friends South of the Border 4th of July Ecards.

July 4th Celebration Ideas on a Budget

Just discovered you’re short of your July 4th travel budget? Ouch. But wait. The party’s not over yet.

So maybe you won’t be able to make it to National Mall in DC or to Chicago to witness the fireworks over Lake Michigan. But you can still have a fantastic Fourth right in your backyard, deck, patio or garden. Millions of Americans do.

And here are a few tips to get you started. Add some of your own and who knows, this might be turn out to be the July 4th you and your family will remember for years.

Make July 4th crafts, favors and decorations. Give your kids some red, white and blue chalks or crayons, craft paper, thread and a glue stick and a pair of kids’ scissors. You’ll be amazed at the unique, creative stuff they turn out. Join them in the fun and together, you might end up making some really terrific Independence Day decorations. Display them with pride and a Made in America stamp!
Start or join a neighborhood BBQ. You won’t believe how much you’ll save with this effort. Besides splitting the cost, you will also get to know your neighbors better and make new friends. Your kids will probably have a blast too, while grown-ups get a chance to catch up or relax. You could extend this idea by splitting the cost of fireworks and other decorations that everybody can enjoy as a group.
Don’t miss the fireworks in your city. Even if you’ve seen it a dozen times, there’s still something new about the experience every year. Enjoying the July 4^th fireworks from a local park or nearby beach is the most cost-effective way of celebrating the Fourth. You get to go out, meet friends, enjoy the outdoors, relax and watch the sky light up. All at no cost.
Buy smart. Dollar and Discount stores offer plenty of choices when it comes to party decorations, crafts, favors, flags and other Independence Day buys. If you plan ahead, you can get almost all of them at a bargain. Don’t throw them away when the party’s over. Most of them can be salvaged, recycled or reused. Another smart thing to do may be to do your next year’s July 4^th shopping on July 5^th or 6^th. Look around and if you spot a bargain, snatch it, save it and don’t forget you bought it, when the next Fourth comes along.
Send free July 4th ecards and Printable Cards. With these, you don’t even have to leave home to wish someone a fantastic Fourth! You could even use some of the cards in our Printable Cards section as wall posters or inspiration for your crafts.

Do you have a July 4th celebration idea that saves you money? Share it with us!

July 4th Celebrations

July 4- Where will you be?

If you haven’t made plans yet, it’s time to start now.

With lower fuel prices, budget air fares and throwaway hotel deals, this is one of the best years to pack your bags and go visiting the places you have always wanted to see. And while you’re there, you might as well join in the country’s biggest party.

Check out some of the top Independence Day celebration venues in the country and make your pick.

Boston

Considered one of the most popular July Fourth destinations,

and with good reason. It hosts several festivals including the The Boston Harborfest. This is a week long festival with over 200 events that begin in late June. Among other things, this festival includes a grand display of fireworks, free concerts, kids’ events, cruises, city tours and the famous Boston Chowderfest. Don’t miss the free Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks Display on July 4^th.

Chicago

If going to ballgames and superb, free concerts or enjoying the most beautiful fireworks displays over Lake Michigan while you take a dinner cruise sound like your kind of party, then you must plan to be in Chicago this 4th. The city hosts three nights of fireworks displays with Lake Michigan as backdrop, and that is one sight that no photograph could do justice to. You have to be there to experience it. The Navy Pier Beer Garden is a great spot to be in, if you want to enjoy the fireworks and some fantastic, free concerts afterwards.

New York City

You’ll have a tough time picking out which spot you want to be in to enjoy the Independence Day celebrations in the Big Apple . If you’re one of the early birds, you might be able to grab tickets for a mind-blowing view from the Empire State Building. Or, maybe you’ve always wanted to see the Macy’s Parade and fireworks and this is the year you’ll make it happen. Long Island City and Roosevelt Island are also popular for their views, entertainment and food courts.

Washington D.C.

If you’ve decided to join in the celebrations in the nation’s capital, you couldn’t have picked a better place. Here, you can witness events all day, while enjoying the view of the country’s greatest monuments. The 4thcelebrations kick off with a parade along Constitution Avenue. You can then enjoy the Smithsonian Folklife Festival that will include music, dance, performances, story telling, crafts and discussions, throughout the day. The White House Visitor Center will also host games, crafts and other activities on this occasion. You can enjoy the concert rendered by The United States Air Force Band in the evening on the Washington Monument grounds. As night falls, the National Symphony Orchestra and other artists will perform on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building. This is followed by a grand display of fireworks over the Washington Monument that marks the end of the festivities.

Of course, there are several other great ‘must-see’ places in the U.S – from Miami to San Diego, LA to Niagara falls, you could pick just about any place to celebrate this Independence Day.

No matter where you are, spend a couple of minutes to send your friends and family free July 4th Ecards before you head out to watch the parade.

July 4th – Traditions and Celebrations

Just a few more weeks to go for July 4^th! Have you decided how you’re going to celebrate this year? What will you be doing differently this time around? Are you thinking of cutting back on or expanding your celebrations? Share your thoughts!

· Fireworks constitute the grand finale to July 4^th celebrations. But do you know that unlike many of the other traditions, this is not a recent addition? Fireworks have been a part of July the 4^th celebrations since 1777, the first anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

The ringing of bells, firing of 13 guns and a grand display of fireworks marked that momentous occasion.

· Will you be having a fireworks display in your own backyard? Even then, the experience of a public fireworks display at a local park or a famous one such as the Macy’s fireworks display, which is known to be the largest and grandest, or the celebrations in The National Mall, Washington, DC is definitely worth your while. If you’ve always wanted to experience one of those, this year may be a good time to find the best travel and hotel deals.

· Patriotic music and songs often accompany fireworks displays. Here’s a list of patriotic songs you could brush up on, in time for July 4^th. How about learning some of them with your kids and making this July 4^th a true family celebration?

· Speaking of patriotism, will you be proudly displaying the American flag outside your home, in your yard or on your vehicle? Then here are some pointers you should bear in mind regarding flag do’s and don’t’s.

Over time, the warm weather and other factors, such as schools closing for the summer led to the adoption of various other July 4^th traditions -picnics, block parties, baseball games and barbecues being some of them. One aspect clearly stands out in all of this.

July 4^th is more of a gathering with friends and family than a private celebration. It is one occasion that gives people the chance to come together and celebrate with their neighbors, friends and families.

So, write in and tell us – which is your favorite 4^th tradition? Have you created a July 4^th family tradition?

Gearing up for July 4th!

Memorial Day Weekend is here but it’s never too early to start planning your July 4th celebrations, is it?!

From baseball games to barbecues, block parties to parades, fireworks to picnics – do you ever wonder how on earth we came up with these countless ways to celebrate the Fourth?
And why not?!

Isn’t it just the best time of the year to celebrate? With allergy season behind you and winter months far from your thoughts, July 4th is the perfect date, falling smack in the middle of the calendar year.
Who can resist the beautiful outdoors with clear summer skies and warm, lazy, long afternoons that stretch well into the evening?!

If you think about it, July 4th is a celebration of not just the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, but of all things American.

Families plan the entire July 4th weekend, at times, the whole week around their favorite Fourth tradition. It is one of the busiest times of the year to travel, be it by road or air. Airline tickets for this weekend get booked months ahead. Tourists throng amusement parks, beaches and other attractions. This is the ideal family vacation time for most people because it coincides with the kids’ summer vacation and the weather is great in almost every part of the country, with a very few exceptions.

If there’s one holiday in the year that everyone in the family loves and looks forward to the most, I’m guessing it would be July 4th in most cases. And well, who wouldn’t like a low stress, high fun holiday anyway?

In coming posts, we’ll explore some of the favorite July 4th traditions, myths surrounding the 4th of July celebrations and other interesting aspects of this great American holiday. If you have a favorite Fourth tradition in your family or a funny or interesting memory of a particular July 4th, do write in and share it with us.